Surgical Setting and Anesthesia

Breast augmentation surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, in our surgical suite. General anesthesia is commonly used, and local anesthesia is also an option. The surgery usually lasts 1 to 2 hours. The surgeon will make an incision and create a pocket for the breast implant. Then the breast implant will be placed in the pocket and positioned. Finally, the incision will be closed, usually with stitches, and possibly taped.

Once you are in your room at the clinic, I will visit with you and make precise markings before surgery. Prior to surgery, I will ask you to sit up briefly so that I can make precise measurements and small marks to use as guidelines during your surgery. You will then be positioned comfortably and will have no recall of further events during your surgery.

It is normal to be slightly nervous before your surgery. I usually prescribe a mild sedation or pre-medication prior to your being brought to the operating room. It is normal to be slightly excited or apprehensive immediately prior to surgery, and this will be alleviated quickly once with the sedation.

The anesthesiologist will speak with you briefly and then insert a small intravenous line into your arm to begin giving you sedative medication which will relax you very quickly.

The operation is performed using light general anesthesia supplemented with local anesthetic after you are lightly asleep so that you feel no discomfort whatever. After extensive experience with both local and light general anesthesia, I am absolutely convinced that I can assure you the greatest safety, comfort, and accuracy of your result with this technique. Every detail of your procedure is done by me personally.

Incisions are made, the tissues are appropriately separated and pockets created to receive the implants. After the implants are inserted, I carefully inspect both sides to assure symmetry and make additional adjustments if necessary. Your incisions are then closed precisely by me (no assistant) with sutures placed beneath the skin which will reabsorb and do not require suture removal. After surgery, we will purposely keep you very drowsy and comfortable for several hours before you return home.

At the completion of your operation, you will be transferred to the appropriate recovery area where you will remain until you awaken. I purposely like for you to remain sleepy, since you will be much more comfortable. After an appropriate interval of observation, usually a few hours, you will be allowed to leave with someone to drive you and stay with you the evening of surgery.
Prior to leaving our facility, you will be given prescriptions for pain medication with instructions.